Conque receives invitation to prestigious Manning Passing Academy

May 14, 2016 at 2:36 AM CDT - Updated July 11 at 2:50 AM

SFA Athletics

NACOGDOCHES, TX (Press Release)- Stephen F. Austin senior quarterback Zach Conque has received an invite to the prestigious Manning Passing Academy, known as one of the marquee events for quarterbacks at both the collegiate and high school level. This year's camp will be held June 23-26 at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

"I was pretty excited when I got the invite," Conque said. "It's a big deal to be able to go down and train and learn from the best. Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning are some of the first names that come to mind when you think of quarterbacks, and to have the opportunity to go throw the ball around with them and learn from them will be an amazing experience. I can't wait."

Conque is one of a select group of quarterbacks from around the country to receive an invitation as nearly 40 received the invite in 2015. In addition to having personal workouts with both Peyton and Eli Manning, Conque will serve as a camp counselor to the over 1,200 invited high school campers.

Conque will serve as a camp counselor during the two-hour on-field practice sessions at Guidry Stadium as well as participating in Q&A sessions during the nighly forums.

The senior will also have an opportunity to compete in one of the highlights of the camp Saturday evening, participating in the Air-It-Out and Quarterback Challenges. It has become one of the top draws of the four-day event as college and NFL quarterbacks get a chance to show off their skills, going head-to-head in a variety of skill drills.

"I'm going to soak up the whole experience like a sponge," Conque said. "You don't get an opportunity like this every day to learn from the best, so I'm going to take full advantage. Plus getting a chance to help mentor up and coming high school quarterbacks will be a neat experience."

One of the veteran instructors of the MPA is Conque's current offensive coordinator, Gary Crowton. Attending the Academy multiple times when he was the offensive coordinator at LSU, Crowton understands the significance of receiving and invitation and knows the impact it could have on Conque as he heads into his senior season.

"It's a great honor Zach has been invited to this elite camp to help mentor and coach these young players," Crowton said. "It is a testament to his commitment and dedication and I'm sure he'll use the experience as a great growing opportunity."

2016 marks the 21st year of the Manning Passing Academy, which has developed a reputation as the top camp for aspiring quarterbacks across the nation. It has helped produce eight number one NFL Draft picks, including 2016 first overall pick Jared Goff, and over 50 quarterbacks currently on NFL rosters, including names like Andrew Luck, Andy Dalton, Sam Bradford and Colin Kaepernick.

It will be the start of a football-intensive summer for Conque, who will graduate with his degree in communication with a minor in history from SFA Saturday afternoon. Following the MPA are summer workouts and fall camp, leading up to the 2016 season kickoff at Texas Tech on September 3rd.